In today’s mobile and social news roundup: Apple apologizes to China; The Facebook phone; the Smartisan OS launch; and AT&T to pre-sell HTC One on April 5.

Apple apologizes to China

After Chinese government bureaus and consumers’ relentless efforts in forcing Apple to change its unfair warranty and repair policies for its devices, the Cupertino company finally gave in, issuing a public apology.

“We are aware that, due to the lack of external communication in this process and lead to the speculation that Apple arrogance, do not care or do not attach importance to consumer feedback. We express our sincere apologies for any concerns or misunderstandings this gives consumers,” Apple posted on its Chinese website.

Apple promises to improve its iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S repair policy, provide a concise and clear repair and warranty policy statement on its website, increase the intensity of the supervision and training of Apple Authorized Service Providers, and ensure that consumers can easily contact Apple Feedback Service for related issues.

China’s Foreign Ministry approves the apology and stated that Apple has acted “conscientiously.”

The Facebook phone

Facebook’s Android event is set for today but leaks have already surfaced and it looks like there’s nothing to be excited about.  The Facebook phone is an HTC device dubbed the HTC Myst, and early rumors points to a dedicated Facebook button, but leaks have shown that it could be a forked Android OS, much like what Amazon and Barnes & Noble use for their tablets.  We’ll know more about it at Facebook’s Thursday press event.

Though this could potentially boost Facebook’s mobile efforts, not everyone who forked Android is successful.  Just look at what’s happening with B&N’s Nook tablet.  According to reports, the company is having fire sale after fire sale of Nook devices, and we all know that a fire sale is like a bad omen.  Remember the HP TouchPad?  Neither do we.

But you can’t blame Facebook for trying everything it can, especially with Twitter exploring yet another business model with the relaunch of its business site.  Twitter aims to help businesses promote themselves via tweets.

Smartisan OS launch

Speaking of forked versions of Android, another has entered the Chinese market in the form of Smartisan OS.  The OS was created by Luo Yonghao “a self-taught ex-English teacher (and later becoming the principal of his own English school until last August), as well as the founder of influential blogging platform Bullog.cn (now Bullogger.com) and the chairman of Chinese font studio Redesign.”

The Smartisan OS features a grid, dark background and icons that look official but futuristic all the same.  Its icons are label-free, and the Smartisan OS has its own app store.  The OS allows users to sort contacts based on when it they were added, or by frequency of interaction, a feature that can be overridden. SMS delivery is delayed by three seconds so you have the chance to cancel outbound messages, while the clock app shows the weather of the city you are currently in.  That’s just a few of the Smartisan’s quirky features.

AT&T to pre-sell HTC One on April 5

HTC fans finally get a clue as to the price and availability of the HTC One.  According to tips and leaked photos, AT&T will start pre-selling the HTC One this week but stores will not be displaying the device during the pre-selling period.  The 32GB version will be available in Black and Silver and will cost $249.99 while the $64GB will go on sale at a later date and will cost $299.99.  The start of the pre-selling period will kick off on April 5.

In other AT&T news, the company is said to be implementing HD Voice or improved voice calling in its network later this year.  According to AT&T senior VP Kris Rinne, the improvement will roll out as it begins to route voice calling on its LTE network.

photo credit: dullhunk via photopin cc